[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 112 (Friday, July 25, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE TOWN OF CUMBERLAND GAP, TENNESSEE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ZACH WAMP

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 25, 2003

  Mr. WAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the historic town of 
Cumberland Gap, Tennessee as they celebrate their 200th anniversary of 
postal service.
  Cumberland Gap has long been a place of historic passage. In pre-
Colonial America, the Gap served Native Americans as a pivotal crossing 
for their trading and hunting routes through the Appalachian Mountains. 
Later, Daniel Boone and his 29 ``axe men'' blazed a 208 mile trail into 
central Kentucky providing a route for pioneer families to travel west. 
During the Civil War, Cumberland Gap gained military significance, 
becoming known as the ``Gibraltar of America'' and the ``Keystone of 
the Confederacy.''
  Today however, in the age of flight, travelers through Cumberland Gap 
come not to get through the mountains, but to escape into them. The 
natural beauty of the surrounding area and the Gap's rich cultural 
history make it a popular destination for travelers of all ages and 
interests. From hikers to historians, people continue to be drawn to 
the ``gap between the mountains.''
  Time has almost stood still in the small Appalachian town of 
Cumberland Gap. As you walk through the quiet streets, you are greeted 
with architecture from the late 1800's and the 1920's. The streets are 
snap shots from the past, illustrating the progression of history even 
through today. The town's rich history, quiet charm and natural beauty 
are especially appealing for cultural tourism.
  Just as the historic parade marched through the Gap for more than 200 
years, the procession is not yet finished. Today the town of Cumberland 
Gap, the natural starting point for an journey into the Cumberland Gap 
National Park, is a haven for day hikers, adventure hikers and cycle 
enthusiasts. Whether you are seeking history, culture or adventure, 
Cumberland Gap is always a great place to be.
  On July 19, this historic town celebrates 200 years of postal service 
with a day of interpretive presentations of what life was like in the 
early 1800's including ``living history'' exhibits throughout the town. 
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join them on this important day and I wish 
the town of Cumberland Gap many years of continued success.

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